Foliar Distribution of Seed-Applied Fluxapyroxad in Barley

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Pathology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Seed-applied fungicides are vital for cereal disease management.
• Understanding fungicide plant distribution is key to optimizing efficacy.
• The behavior of fluxapyroxad in barley and its disease control relationship require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in planta distribution of fluxapyroxad in seed-treated barley.
• To correlate fungicide concentration with protection against Pyrenophora teres f. maculata.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of fluxapyroxad concentrations in barley tissues using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS).
• Assessment of disease suppression at different plant locations and growth stages.

Main Results:

• Fluxapyroxad concentration decreased from early to younger leaves.
• Older leaves showed a base-to-tip enrichment pattern of fluxapyroxad.
• Disease suppression of P. teres f. maculata correlated with fungicide levels, with highest efficacy at leaf tips (up to 50-fold higher concentration).

Conclusions:

• Fungicide distribution within the plant significantly impacts disease control efficacy.
• Strategic application of seed-applied fungicides like fluxapyroxad can optimize crop protection and input efficiency.
• Insights into in planta fungicide behavior support improved disease management strategies for growers.